Photograph: Cream leather belt with 2 keys hanging from it on knotted straps.
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Key belt

Date: About 1500

The keys and leather belt shown here belonged to the doorkeeper of the Star Chamber, an English law court at the Palace of Westminster. Named after the ceiling decoration of stars, it was established in 1487 by Henry VII, making the court a separate judicial body from the King's Council. Originally it was popular due to its flexibility and ability to try cases that other law courts could not due to corruption. It was abolished in 1641 during the reign of Charles I after it became synonymous with the abuse of power by the king and his circle.

Accession number: 27.131/1

Place of collection: Star Chamber, Westminster, London [City of Westminster]

Material: iron; leather

Measurements: L 610 mm; W 55 mm; W (inc. keys) c. 200 mm

Gallery location: Case 16.1

Related material

Subjects:

Livery Companies
National Government

Objects:

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